Rangers activate trio from IL; Federowicz a FA

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have activated outfielder Joey Gallo and pitchers Taylor Hearn and Jesse Chavez off the 60-day injured list.

The Rangers also outrighted veteran catcher Tim Federowicz to Triple-A Nashville, but he declined the assignment. Federowicz, who hit .160 with four home runs and seven RBIs in 29 games with the Rangers, became a free agent. That leaves Jeff Mathis, Jose Trevino and Isiah Kiner-Falefa as the three catchers on the 40-man roster.

Gallo ended the season on the injured list while recovering from surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his right wrist. He did not play after July 23, but he is expected to be ready for Spring Training.

Chavez, who was 3-5 with a 4.85 ERA in 48 games, underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Sept. 9. He is also expected to be ready for Spring Training.

Hearn made one start for the Rangers on April 25 and then missed the rest of the season with tightness in his left elbow. He has been doing his rehab and throwing in Dallas and is still on the 40-man roster. But it is still unknown how close he will be in Spring Training.

The Rangers now have 36 players on the 40-man roster.